15 YEARS OF ACTIONISM

KEEN’s unique philosophy flips many common business principles on their heads. Best described as Business Unusual, KEEN strives to show the world through its actions that a business for good can actually be good for business. It calls its approach “actionism,” where entrepreneurial business meets activism.

ANY PLACE WITHOUT A CEILING

Driven by a passion for life outside, KEEN is a values-led, independently owned brand from Portland, Oregon that’s on a mission to create original and versatile products, improve lives, and inspire adventure. Since 2003, KEEN has donated more than $15 million to nonprofit organizations and causes around the world to promote responsible outdoor recreation, and land and water conservation.

DEFYING CONVENTION

The designers, engineers, and big thinkers in the KEEN Innovation Lab love to push boundaries and experiment with new concepts, such as the revolutionary KEEN EVOFIT fabric. They utilize insight, creativity, exhaustive testing, state-of-the-art tools, and constant resourcefulness to solve problems and bring great ideas to life—innovative footwear for trail, travel, work, and around town.

DIFFERENCE-MAKERS

As a brand born for life outside, KEEN feels a responsibility to protect and preserve the places where we all live, work, and play. In the summer of 2015, KEEN embarked on its Live Monumental movement to protect public lands and create national monuments. By giving back, taking action, and reducing its manufacturing impact, KEEN puts its values in motion to leave the world a better place.

TERRADORA

Discover TrailFit™, a movement of adventure seekers elevating their fitness on any trail—in any season—with the KEEN Terradora collection. Because in the TrailFit world, a cold, rainy day just means empty trails and extra exhilaration.

About KEEN

KEEN was launched in 2003 with the introduction of the Newport sandal. It included what would become Keen’s signature footwear feature: the oversize rubber toe bumper, which was created to provide toe protection aboard sailboat decks. Additionally, the Newport’s innovative bungee cord closure system allowed for a close, sneaker-like fit that made it safer and easier to scramble around a racing boat.

Sailors weren’t the only ones to take notice. From its start in 2003, KEEN grew quickly as its protective ‘hybrid’ sandal design was adopted by paddlers, hikers, travelers, and others looking to enjoy the freedom of sandals without sacrificing the protection of a closed-toe shoe. The Newport water shoe’s exceptional traction, support, and remarkable comfort further endeared it to this growing market.

The expansion of KEEN’s product line into four seasons was a natural progression. Rugged, protective hiking boots and shoes, warm and waterproof winter boots, casual shoes for all tastes, and, of course, a full range of water-friendly sandals now comprise the majority of KEEN’s offerings. Stylewise, this footwear runs from KEEN’s bread-and-butter wider-cut, ultra-supportive designs to the more minimalist and lightweight offerings in its sporty CNX line. In addition to footwear for men and women, KEEN serves up shoes and sandals for children in fun, fresh colors; kids love the look, and parents appreciate the famous KEEN protection against stubbed toes.

As KEEN continued to flourish, it not only moved its headquarters to Portland, Oregon, but it also grew in new directions, with clothing and accessories like backpacks, purses and totes, and socks. The common thread was a dedication to comfort, durability, and purpose-driven design. Along the way, the company stayed focused on innovation, on incorporating environmentally responsible products and processes, and on developing products that would encourage people to get outdoors and give back. KEEN calls this philosophy Hybrid.Life.

From its inception, KEEN has emphasized an awareness of social issues and corporate responsibility. The company was first able to put its philosophy into action during the 2004 Asian tsunami disaster, offering substantial support to relief efforts. The company’s active Hybrid.Care program partners with nonprofits around the world to inspire responsible outdoor participation, support land and water conservation, and lend a hand when disaster strikes.